What BestPlaces Users Say about Oakland
Background information: Oakland, California is a bustling city located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Known for its vibrant art and music scene, diverse population, and proximity to major cities like San Francisco and Berkeley, Oakland has become a popular place to live. However, the city has also faced challenges with crime and rising housing costs, leading to mixed opinions from those who call it home.
Some users on BestPlaces.net have shared their experiences and thoughts on living in Oakland. Overall, the reviews paint a picture of a city with both positive and negative aspects.
One user, Amanda D, praises the city for its cultural diversity and community spirit, saying, "Oakland is a beautifully diverse and vibrant city, filled with people from all walks of life. The community here is strong and supportive, and I feel like I truly belong." However, she also mentions the high cost of living and the presence of crime, stating, "The downside is that housing prices are skyrocketing and there is a fair amount of crime in certain areas."
Another user, Mark S, shares a similar sentiment, stating, "Oakland has a rich history and culture, and I love being a part of it. However, the cost of living is becoming unmanageable, and I worry about the safety of my family." He also mentions the city's ongoing struggles with gentrification and displacement.
On the other hand, Jessica B shares a more positive experience, saying, "I've lived in Oakland my whole life and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. The people here are friendly and welcoming, and there's always something fun to do." She also mentions the city's thriving food scene and natural beauty.
Lastly, John M offers a mixed perspective, stating, "I've had a love-hate relationship with Oakland. On one hand, the cultural diversity and sense of community are amazing. But on the other hand, the crime and high cost of living can be overwhelming at times." He advises those considering moving to Oakland to thoroughly research the different neighborhoods and their safety levels.
Overall, while many users appreciate Oakland for its diversity and culture, there are also concerns about affordability and safety. It is important for individuals to do thorough research and consider their priorities before deciding to live in this city.
based on 38 ReviewsGet to know Oakland with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Oakland
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Oakland California - 10/21/2007
Oakland CA, USA, is one of the sunniest cities in California with the most mild warm weather. Temps range from 65-75 degrees year around. Rarely goes above 80 degrees because of its location between mountains, and the San Francisco Bay. It is only 15 mintues to down town San Francisco, and provides a wonderful California
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Cold Wind - 10/9/2007
The wind here drives me crazy. To cold for a arizona boy like
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Large Zip Code - 6/24/2007
I live in Oakland where anything can happen at anytime. My zipcode is very big it covers a large area there is allot that goes on in certain parts while others are very
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Oaklandites are beautiful people - 6/21/2007
I moved to Oakland 2 years ago and love it! It is so diverse in culture and in the summers you see people from every culture hanging out together. It has high crime like all major cities but beats living in
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Could not wait to leave Oakland - 5/9/2007
Oakland is one of the worst places to call home. The crime rate is one of the highest in the nation, the schools rank among the lowest. Most areas you can't walk in after dark. Violent crime, drugs, dispair...it is all here. Even with this, the cost of living is very high. The traffic into San Francisco or down Highway 880 is always a mess. The only reason I lived here was because the cost of living in San Francisco was so high, and I wanted to make a little money on some real estate. Now that I have, and can move, I feel such a sense of relief. For me, and for the safety and well-being of my child. Think twice about calling Oakland home. Try Berkeley to the North, Fremont to the south, or Walnut Creek to the east. All better, safer, cleaner
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Great Weather, Food, Culture - 3/20/2007
The City of Oakland is a great place to live. I lived in Oakland for over 25 years. The city is very diverse. Dining out is fabulous. I consider Oakland to be very safe. Most of the crimes you hear on the news are from West and Far East Oakland. Like San Francisco, there are areas in the city you should avoid. Currently, I am living in Fremont, which I find is a boring city. A decent restaurant is really hard to find. I find myself visiting Oakland every weekend. Here are some places you should visit when you are in Oakland: Piedmont Ave, Lakeshore Ave, Trestle Glen, Lake Merritt, Rockridge, Montclair. If you have little kids, you should bring them to Fairyland. Admission is very
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The good and the bad... - 7/23/2006
I have lived in the bay area for 8 years.
Oakland is diverse and somewhat extreme... you have wealthy people (generally white) who live in the east bay hills, within walking and biking distance to a very large and beautiful parks system. Then you have poor people who live in the flats. The poor are generally mexican, black, asian, and artists. I keep wondering if there is a middle class in Oakland at all or just rich and poor.
Some of the neighborhoods in the flats are reasonably safe, with good sense of community. Some are very dangerous and have a pretty well deserved rap for violent crime. Cost of living is high no matter what neighborhood you live in. So are housing costs. In the worst areas, a small starter home that needs some work will run you around $300,000.
On the other hand, a lot of people move to Oakland from San Francisco because it is more affordable here.
There is a vibrant and strong African-American culture in
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